Communication disorders marked with hypophonia. Indication and speech therapy through the LSVT method

Authors : Cabaret P, Sarfati J. (Grenoble)

Ref. : Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol. 2007;128,5:325-328.

Article published in french
Downloadable PDF document french

Summary :
This work relates a clinical experiment about use of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). This method is mainly designed for communication/voice disorders caused by Parkinsonís disease. Their authors widely diffused worldwide this treatment that is now supported and illustrated, among other things, by some neuro-radiological studies. Our work will deal with the indications provided by the speech therapist (Parkinson and non-parkinson hypophonia), the implications for the patient and the practice of speech therapy according to some therapeutic programs led in our center. Beyond the initial reluctance that one may feel when discovering this practice, we noticed a systematic and dramatic improvement of communication (clearly illustrated by the video) that will be expressed by some Vocal Handicap Index scales. Attention will be paid to stability of the treatments involved as well as their peripheral effects. In conclusion, we shall state the pertinence of the LSVT proposal as well as the precautions to taken when it is administered.